Every summer, the Mary Pappert School of Music and City Music Center of Duquesne University team up to offer a variety of camps, workshops, and intensives. The programs featured in the Summer Music Series focus on a range of specialized activities for high school musicians as well as professional development opportunities for school music directors and ensemble leaders.  

Registration & Accommodations

All summer programs listed below are open to rising 9th–12th graders and run Monday–Friday (9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily) at the Mary Pappert School of Music. Overnight "Resident" options are available for most camps and include meals as well as an early move-in option on Sunday prior to the first day of camp!

See individual camp details below for registration deadlines and accommodation details.

Pricing for All Camps

Commuter: $495 
Resident (with roommate): $1,100 
Resident (no roommate): $1,350

 

2025 Summer Options and Registration

 
Students learn from professors in a music studio.

Music Technology Summer Intensive: June 23–27

The Music Technology Summer Intensive is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional recording and production environment with Grammy Award winning faculty. Immerse yourself in the inner workings of the studio and its operation during a recording session, and actively participate in tracking, overdubbing, editing and mixing. Registration closes Sunday, June 15, 2025. Overnight campers must register by Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Trumpeters playing.

Summer Jazz Experience: June 23–27

Spend five activity-filled days rehearsing, performing, and learning about jazz, America's indigenous art form, in this informal, non-threatening environment. Play and learn alongside members of Duquesne University's jazz faculty, which is comprised of the best jazz musician-educators in the Pittsburgh area and beyond. This camp is open to students regardless of experience or skill level. Registration closes Sunday, June 15, 2025. Overnight campers must register by Thursday, May 15, 2025.

A professor teaches a student to solder.

Music Maker's Workshop: July 14–18

Experiment and explore the process of innovation, product design and musical electronics creation! The Music Maker’s Workshop is a five-day immersive STEAM program where aspiring entrepreneurs, engineers, and artists like you come together to create simple electronic musical instruments by exploring connections between technology, music, sound, the visual arts, and movement. Registration closes Monday July 7, 2025. Sorry, no overnight accommodations for this camp, but lunches are included each day.

A singer performs with a pianist.

High School Vocal Workshop: July 21–25

The High School Vocal Workshop is a collaborative exploration for high school singers who love to sing and are considering careers in music! Elevate your singing in a week-long course exploring all aspects of the vocal arts surrounded by other creative and enthusiastic musicians. Registration closes Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Overnight campers must register by Sunday, June 15, 2025.

A pianist performs.

Summer Piano Workshop: July 21–August 1 (two sessions)

Open to high school students in grades 9 through 12, this Piano Workshop provides an exclusive opportunity for young artists to work with our distinguished piano faculty. The workshop offers a variety of expert instruction including 1-on-1 private piano lessons, peer observation in group class environment, sight-reading sessions, and master classes, as well as an opportunity to experience the art of collaborative piano. Each week will conclude with a final recital featuring performances by all participants celebrating their achievements. Both sessions offer the same experience, so you can pick the week that works best with your summer plans, or attend both for a more robust experience. Registration closes Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Overnight campers must register by Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Professional Development Activities

Elevate your career with professional development activities offered at Duquesne University, including workshops, networking events, career fairs, certificate programs, counseling services, and continuing education courses. This summer, the Mary Pappert School of Music is presenting the fourth annual Summer Band Symposium, which is available for Act 48 credit hours. More info below:

2025 Summer Band Symposium

This summer’s fourth annual Summer Band Symposium for school band educators and community band directors features Julie Giroux (“Texas Grad 4” Band Composition; Four Minutes). Registration fee includes buffet lunch; parking optional. Participants are encouraged to play in the Symposium’s Reading Band during morning and afternoon sessions. More information and registration coming soon!

Questions?

Learn more about the Summer Music Series and upcoming offerings.

City Music Center

Duquesne University | 600 Forbes Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15282